Pt Erin Pools

These were the cool pools that we got to come to as a special treat when I was cool. They were outdoor, which was awesome, and they weren’t the Henderson Pools that I would normally go to every weekend. The fact that these pools are outdoor is really their only appeal, but it’s a big one. There’s a lap pool for those who are into serious swimming, as well a gym, sauna and the like. You can get a membership here but I believe it’s pretty pricey, or you can buy a 10-​session concession card. We like to take our young cousins here the summer for a play in the pool, and they always have a pretty good time. There’s a food bar with heaps of ice creams and hot chips, which were always my favourite as a kid. Great pools.

Open air pools can be a bit of an acquired taste if you have not been brought up going to them, they certainly have been for me. Point Erin is secluded and surrounded by greenery. There is a couple of pools to choose from, with a good diving platform for getting adventurous off. Once you are done with the fun and excitement in the main pool, the spa pool provides a welcome place to relax. Fully fenced, with plenty of grass on which to relax with bookable BBQ points, I can imagine it’s a great location for a family day out and judging from the number of families there at the weekends I think I might be right. Also not bad for lane swimming, just avoid times that it’s full of kids!

A lot of Aucklanders of my generation have memories of sneaking in here on hot summer nights. It was just the best thing to enjoy this huge pool after dark without the crowds. There was usually at least one other group but that’s ok, we were bonded in the knowledge of our tresspass.
Nowadays you’d be lucky to ever find this place on the quiet side but I love that it’s cold — usually the coldest public pool you can find when Auckland’s heat kicks in. There’s a nice high diving board for bombs, frolicking space and lanes. There’s a spa as well if you come in the chillier months and no doubt they heat the pool a bit too.
You can find yourself a shady spot on the grass, kick back and let the kids run wild. There’s even a playground. Like I said, it does get crazy busy and the parking can be a drama but this place just feels like Summer holidays.